Darfur police station clash: 8 dead, tension remains

The death toll in the clash between police and militiamen in Bindisi locality, Central Darfur, rose to eight dead, including one child on Saturday. 15 were wounded, including the deputy commissioner and two members of a reconciliation committee.

The fighting between the police and militiamen erupted in the police station on Thursday and continued until Saturday, and led to the closure of Bindisi market. Many residents stayed in their homes out of fear, causing empty streets until Sunday.

Military reinforcements consisting of 450 police personnel were deployed to contain the armed conflict.

'The exchange of gunfire has continued in Bindisi.'

A nine-year-old displaced child named El Sayed Mohamed Adam Abaker, was hit in crossfire and killed on the spot, a witness reported to Radio Dabanga.

“The wounded government troops were transferred to Bindisi hospital, while the wounded of the militia were brought to Foro Baranga hospital,” the witness said.

“The situation is still very tense in Bindisi, as the exchange of gunfire between the policemen and militia members continued on Saturday.”

On Thursday, a policeman shot dead a militiaman who carried a weapon inside the police station. The killing sparked an attack on the station by a group of militiamen.

Fighting continued despite the holding of a reconciliation meeting that determined the amount of compensation money to be paid to the militia the next day. Three participants sustained injuries, including the deputy commissioner. Militiamen again attacked the police station and killed two policemen on Friday afternoon. Three of the attackers were killed.